Naturally Fierce Feature: Angela

April 14, 2014

My name is Angela. I’m from Southern California and I’m a social worker.

How long have you been natural?

I’ve been natural my entire life but I didn’t take great care of my hair until approximately April of 2011. I had three perms during my childhood and straighten my hair many times throughout high school and undergrad years. Although I stopped straightening my hair in 2006, I dyed my hair like crazy until April 2011.

What motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper& why?

Honestly, it wasn’t until I dyed it three times within 4 months (I know, terrible) that I finally realized how damaged my hair was becoming. My hair broke off like crazy and it never grew. My hair was very dull and flat; it lacked personality and I was starting to hate it!

I wasn’t bold enough to do the big chop, so starting April 2011 I would trim off 1-2 inches every month or two. I did this for approximately 6 months until all dead ends were gone. My hair stayed shoulder length for several months but to see my hair curl like never before was all worth it.

How would you describe your hair? My hair is very, very, VERY thick and easily tangles! I’d like to say that my curls are very needy lol. I have loose curls as well as tight curls, and love it. My hair requires lots of thick conditioners to retain moisture.

What do you love most about your hair? Well a few things I love: I love that my hair has the ability to get HUGE. I love that I can wear it as is on a daily basis and not have to worry about fixing it. I just love the versatility of my hair. It’s definitely the best!

What has been the most memorable part of your journey?Has it been easy or difficult or both?! In the beginning it was definitely difficult because I was the type to hold onto my length despite the damage, so to trim continuously and have the same length was hard… With that said, the most memorable part of my journey is seeing the results. To see where my journey once was in 2011 & 2012 compared to today, is amazing. It actually motivates me to continue until I reach my goal which is tailbone length.

What are were some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles? I mainly wore the wash and go during those times. I’ve always loved letting my curls loose vs tying it down. Plus, during those times braidouts and twistouts always failed me, so I stuck with what my curls loved the most and it was the wash and gos.

What have your experiences been as a ‘natural.’ Any memorable reactions from family or others? I’ve had positive experiences. People would stop me just to give compliments about my hair, and still do. However recently, I’ve had some negative comments from women who refuse to go natural and men who don’t like the natural hair look. I’ve had to accept that people who don’t understand the natural hair journey will not understand why we do what we do and the process. Oh well…

What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?

My regimen consist of the following:

Deep condition: store bought mayonnaise, coconut oil OR cholesterol plus once a week and for at least 45 minutes.

Shampoo: Selsun Blue moisturizing. I unfortunately do not cowash like I used to because my scalp doesn’t respond to it well anymore.

Detangling Conditioners: Tresemme, naturals, Organix Tea Tree, Or Suave.

Leave-in conditioner: Aussie Moist, Organix Coconut Milk, Tresemme Naturals, or Giovanni Direct.

I also add to my leave-in, either Curls Unleashed defining cream OR BelleButters Mint Chocolate butter.

Sealers: Eco Styler Olive Oil or Argan Oil gel OR Aubrey Organic Aloe Vera.

I deep condition & wash my hair once a week. After detangling my hair I apply my leave-in conditioner while still In the shower. Once out of the shower I then apply my cream or butter in four sections. Afterwards I let my hair air dry and do not touch hair until it’s dry. Recently I started diffusing my hair, which I’ve done maybe three times now. Although I get amazing results I want to avoid using too much heat on my hair, BUT I’ll definitely diffuse once in a while.

At bedtime, I pineapple my hair and wear a satin ebonnet which was custom made by ebonicurls. The next day I take my hair down, fix it a bit and rock it out!

What are some of your favorite natural hair websites,YouTuber’s, or blogs?

Gosh, let’s see… HeyFranHey, Afroista, MahogonyCurls, TaraLindaaa, Eclark, chime, to name a few.

Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?

The thing I’ve said to many women who started their natural hair journey is, be patient and learn your hair; what is likes and don’t like, AND pay attention to the responses your hair gives you… ANYTHING is possible with time, patience, and proper hair care 🙂

Where can people find you for more information?

Instagram @ MsBeautifulCurls AND Questions: MsBeautifulCurls@gmail.com